Assistant Chief Smith Promoted to Chief of Police

Yesterday, Evansville Mayor Terry appointed Assistant Chief Philip Smith to current Chief of

Police. During Mayor Terry’s press conference, she stated “these are incredibly important

appointments; public safety is a top priority, providing a safe and secure environment, so ensuring that

we have the right people to lead those areas has been my focus and the focus of my dedicated transition

team who worked alongside me in this process.” With the promotion to Chief for Chief Smith, Chief

Bolin signed his resignation letter after serving 26 years for the Evansville Police Department with 12 of

those being Chief; he retires as the longest consecutive serving Chief in EPD history. For the past three

years, Chief Smith was Assistant Chief under Chief Bolin and was able to shadow his work during those

years while also gaining a great mentor and friend.

A statement made by Chief Bolin describes his confidence in Chief Smith’s promotion;

“Growing up on the southeast side of Evansville, I never dreamed I would someday be the Chief of

Police. Had I done it for one day, it would have been the honor of a lifetime, and to do it for over twelve

years has been the ride of a lifetime. I will be running out my accrued time off and retiring from the

Evansville Police Department at the end of March. As this chapter ends, I’m not sure what lies ahead,

but I’m optimistic about my future. By now, most of you should know that I embrace my dorky side, so I

share this specific photo of Mr. Miyagi as this was how he looked at Daniel at the end of The Karate

Kid. This is how I feel about Chief Philip Smith today. An overwhelming since of pride best sums me up

right now. The number one rule for any leader should be finding, developing, and mentoring their

replacement. I have said for years that I hope Phil replaces me as Chief and today is that day. I will be a

phone call away when/if he ever has a question and he will remain one of my closest friends. I wish him

nothing but the best and he has my full support.

”Evansville Police Department

15 NW Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.

Evansville, Indiana 47708

TX: 812-436-7896 – TDD: 812-436-7975 – FAX: 812-435-6175

EMAIL: info@evansvillepolice.com

With the transition already in effect, we want to take the time to thank Chief Bolin for the past

twelve years. During those twelve years Chief Bolin was instrumental in building and maintaining

relationships within the community, created numerous non-profit organizations to benefit children and

those with illnesses in our area, Cops Connecting with Kids and 911 Gives Hope, and was overall a

trailblazer locally and nationally on community policing. Chief Bolin was Chief during some of the most

difficult times in a policeman’s career and always prided himself on doing the right thing and

progressing forward. With Chief Smith following in his footsteps, we anticipate forward progression and

a great outlook, not only for the Evansville Police Department but for the citizens of Evansville.

Chief Billy Bolin pinning Chief Philip Smith with his Chief badge, badge #100.